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4 Oz Round Bowls with Utensil Hangers - 4" - 200 Count Case, PLA-SelfEco Caterware

What Is PLA?

SelfEco products are made from PLA (polylactic acid) — a renewable, plant-based bioplastic. Derived from U.S.-grown corn, sugar beets, and switchgrass, PLA is a starch-based material that looks, feels, and performs like traditional plastic, but with one major difference: it’s 100% compostable in commercial composting facilities.

From cups, plates, and bowls to cutlery and catering supplies, we use PLA across our entire line of compostable partyware to offer a cleaner, smarter alternative to petroleum-based plastics.

Why We Use PLA

SelfEco products are made from PLA (polylactic acid) — a renewable, plant-based bioplastic. Derived from U.S.-grown corn, sugar beets, and switchgrass, PLA is a starch-based material that looks, feels, and performs like traditional plastic, but with one major difference: it’s 100% compostable in commercial composting facilities.

From cups, plates, and bowls to cutlery and catering supplies, we use PLA across our entire line of compostable partyware to offer a cleaner, smarter alternative to petroleum-based plastics.

  • Compostable in commercial facilities
  • Petroleum-free and BPA-free
  • Durable and event-ready
  • Lowers greenhouse gas emissions
  • Perfect for catering, foodservice, and eco events

PLA vs. Traditional Plastic

Side-by-side comparison table (PLA vs. petroleum-based plastic):

SelfEco (PLA) Traditional Plastic
Material Source Made from renewable U.S.-grown plants (corn, sugar beets) Made from nonrenewable petroleum
End of Life 100% compostable in commercial facilities Landfilled or incinerated
Carbon Footprint Lower greenhouse gas emissions High emissions during production
Safety BPA-free, FDA-approved for food contact May contain harmful chemicals
Manufacturing Proudly made in the USA Often imported with limited oversight
Closing the Loop

Composting with PLA helps return nutrients to the earth and reduce landfill waste. It’s not just disposable — it’s part of a regenerative cycle.

Load video: Illustration of plant-based molecules being converted into bioplastic, representing NatureWorks' Ingeo™ PLA made from renewable plant sugars — a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics.
Where We Source Our PLA

We proudly source our PLA from NatureWorks, LLC, the leading supplier of high-quality, food-safe bioplastics. Their proprietary Ingeo™ biopolymer is made from 100% annually renewable plant sugars and is engineered to match the performance of petroleum-based materials without the environmental cost.